The Port Huron Fighting Falcons will still be competing in the North American Hockey League next season, but they will be doing so in a new state and under a new name.
The NAHL announced today that the Fighting Falcons are moving to Connellsville, Pennsylvania, and that they will be renamed the Keystone Ice Miners for the 2014-15 season.
“In just a few short years, the Fighting Falcons organization has experienced tremendous success on the ice, so we are excited that the Laurel Highlands and Connellsville community will be inheriting a very competitive and successful team,” said NAHL Commissioner Mark Frankenfeld in a press release. “With the on and off-ice success of the Johnstown Tomahawks, the addition of a second NAHL team in Pennsylvania is further proof that the state has a passionate and dedicated fan base for hockey and should enjoy the rivalry that will be enhanced by this relocation.”
The Fighting Falcons won the NAHL’s North Division crown during the regular season, after posting a 35-15-10 record. In their four NAHL seasons, they have produced 20 NCAA Division I players.
“I and the team are very excited about the move to Connellsville,” said Michael Gershon, who will remain the head coach for the club, in the release. “I already see how passionate the people in the area are about hockey and I look forward to them bringing that same passion to the Ice Mine next year. It is an untapped market. We hope to get a good crowd, and I think it will be an exciting time, not only for Connellsville, but the entire Laurel Highlands. We want to create an atmosphere that is loud and gets people excited.”